ReBuilding Exchange

Elise Zelechowski, executive director of Delta’s affiliate social venture Rebuilding Exchange, accepted The Chestnut Mantle award for excellence in building materials reuse (BMR) industry service. The award, which recognized Elise’s innovative work in promoting deconstruction and materials reuse including her recent TEDx talk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL-UsLxQM3U), was presented at the Building Materials Reuse Association (BMRA) Decon ’13 Conference in Seattle, WA. 

Rebuilding Exchange (RX), Delta’s social venture affiliate, has launched a Kickstarter fundraising campaign for its new furniture line, "RX Made." The innovative product line uses recycled and reclaimed materials to make custom items, from bookshelves to beerclaws. Unique gifts are offered at tiered pledge levels and you can claim yours by donating today! The Kickstarter ends December 13th. For more information, please visit the RX Kickstarter campaign or the Rebuilding Exchange website. 

The Huffington Post shines lights on the ReBuilding Exchange in an article entitled "ReBuilding Exchange Helps Ex-Offenders Get A Job, Recycles Old Houses In The Process." In addition to giving ex-offenders employment opportunities, the story also highlights the recently passed Cook County deconstruction ordinance, which directly effects the tear-down process of old homes. Read the entire article. 

After last weekend's DIY workshop, the ReBuilding Exchange continues to offer workshops and other opportunities to Chicagoans of many different backgrounds.

http://www.theatlanticcities.com/design/2012/04/why-chicago-non-profit-w...

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources&id=8619610

One of the Delta Institute's managing directors and the Executive Director of the ReBuilding Exchange, Elise Zelechowski won one of Chicago Magazine's prestigious Green Awards for 2012.  As an "eco-entrepreneur," Elise created the ReBuilding Exchange, a non-profit building material reuse initiative dedicated to diverting waste, creating jobs, and protecting community health.  Congratulations Elise!  To learn more about Green Awards from 2012 and past years, visit the Chicago Magazine online.

Some Chicago-area homeowners have discovered that there is more than one choice when it comes to discarding unwanted building materials. Tim Carey, owner of a property in Oak Park, tells how home deconstruction allowed him to realize financial and environmental benefits. Delta's ReBuilding Exchange is highlighted as one of Chicago's best resources for donating and sourcing reclaimed building materials, as well as finding dynamic workshops on everything from furniture making to electrical wiring. Read the article

The ReBuilding Exchange was recently featured on WGN's "Bring it Home," a television show that showcases local designers and furniture shops to bring unique home design tips and opportunities to all Chicagoans. The ReBuilding Exchange is featured in this episode, in which the host seeks to design a multi-purpose kitchen. Watch here...

In this article on MSN.com, deconstruction and re-use of homes and building materials is heralded as a money-saving, environmentally friendly alternative to demolition. Read more...

New! Check out this feature in the local RedEye: http://neighborhoods.redeyechicago.com/bucktown-wicker-park/bizspot/2011/04/28/shop-salvaged-materials-at-new-reuse-center/

Local leaders participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the ReBuilding Exchange's new facility in the Bucktown-Wicker Park neighborhood.After two years on the south side, the RX re-located to this larger, more centrally located facility and hopes to attract other sustainable companies to the area. Check out these photos from the event, which featured RX Director Elise Zelechowski, LEED Council Executive Director Ted Wysocki, and 32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack:

From left to right: LEED Council Executive Director Ted Wysocki, ReBuilding Exchange Executive Director Elise Zelechowski, and 32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack.